Electrical contractor bypassed my meter ?

[homeworker]

Looking for some advice before deciding how to proceed.

A number of years ago I had an extension built with all the electrics supplied by a second CU fitted in the garage. I recently had cause to look closely at the wiring (after a particularly lengthy MeterPlus reading) and have determined that the second consumer unit is connected to the wrong side of my meter.

Now I can see no reason nfor the contractor to do this intentionally so i am trying to establish why this should have happened, genuine mistake ? common practice ?.

Having had the extension professionally project managed and as far as I can remember all signed off (this resposibility I assumed was with the Project management - rather than me the householder) I am really surprised and a little concerned that I find myself in this situation. And where I fully expect to pay for power consumed I am worried that I am liable in any way.

Any professional thoughts and advice more than welcome.

Bob

 

[vernam616]

I would try finding someone who is confident enough to swap this over onto the correct side, before it go's any further

Us as electricians are not allowed to touch this equipment, however in this case it would be in your best interests to find someone who would

Id certainly be confident to do it

 

[telectrix]

I disagree. a second unauthorised tampering before the meter might look as if OP was trying to destroy evidence of fiiddling supply. best action id to inform supplier and print off this thread.

 

[Top Cat]

I would try finding someone who is confident enough to swap this over onto the correct side, before it go's any further

Us as electricians are not allowed to touch this equipment, however in this case it would be in your best interests to find someone who would

Id certainly be confident to do it

Any electrician would be confident of doing it but i agree with Tel.

 

[silverfox1]

I am thinking sparks may have left tails from new board for dno to connect as with economy 7 boards and meter guy connected tails in this way,as meter looks newish.
Just a thought

 

[telectrix]

possible. if so, then i would argue the case that any free electricity supplied due tro their own fault cannot be recouped from OP.

 

[Darkwood]

I just viewed a job for CU change in factory, found meter supplier had fitted Henley block (sealed before meter)and mixed tails up so part of installation was un-metered... they had recently moved to new supplier and supplier wanted there own meter on, im dumb struct to see this as its not rocket science that you dont loop tails off the incoming side of a meter, only thing i can see is they wouldn't reach other position and assume it must of been fri-aft job so he couldn't be arsed working late going to get extra gear etc.

 

[Knobhead]

Fully agree with Tel, it’s going to look like a cover up. Skip the contractor, get the DNO in immediately. You owe the contractor no loyalty, he’s the one that’s dropped you in this mess.

 

[Top Cat]

Thing is, if the Henley block is sealed with a number on it the powers that be can check who did it, so there should be no comeback.

 

[telectrix]

as long as the seal don't bear the initials TC. :christmaswreath:

 

[Knobhead]

We can pontificate as much as we like, it’s down to the OP to contact the DNO.

 

[homeworker]

I disagree. a second unauthorised tampering before the meter might look as if OP was trying to destroy evidence of fiiddling supply. best action id to inform supplier and print off this thread.

Thanks again, As I am guilty of nothing more than unwittingly stealing electricity, the way I see it I have two options.

1. to wait until the Supplier/DNO come knocking. At which point I deny all knowledge. As said earlier I am not qualified nor have had any reason to doubt the installation. The meter and original CU are tucked away in an understairs cupboard, not something I would have ever noticed had I not wondered why the meter reader took so long to read the meter this time.

2. to pre-empt the visit by calling them and inviting them to assess the installation. But I hesitate here as this could be seen as me trying to beat the meter reader and trying to cover up my involvement.

Since I didn't carry out any of the work or employ the electrician (they worked on behalf of the builder/project manager) and I am happy to pay back what I oweI am not about to cover anything up.

I do expect a big bill but am more concerned about being implicated and don't relish the thought of any interrogation. Perhaps I am making a mountain out of a molehill ?

 

[Darkwood]

Well now winters out the way and it looks like suspicion has been raised its best to get it reported before the DNO knock explain you are not an electrician but was getting a quote for a job and the electrician said he would need you to contact DNO about said situe and he cant do work until its resolved, this will put you in good light, drop all suspicion and because the seal is on the Henley block it should take you out of the equation. They have little case to blame you but supply all details of said Competent Electrician as it would be interesting to see if this was same set-up when he left or whether he blames Meter man.

 

[Guitarist]

as long as the seal don't bear the initials TC. :christmaswreath:

His seals all have a paw-print on them

 

[Darkwood]

I would also turn off board to extension when they come out, your are not guilty of theft if you were unaware but since you became wise to it you then put yourself in a arkward spot, explain to DNO you turned the board off which you suspect isnt been metered and want them to come and check, you've done all you can then and they 'rightly' have no case against you, although you have used the electric they may try make an estimate to what you owe, this can be argued at your cost but just see what action they take, what loading does this extension have....?

 

[Guitarist]

Agree with Dark. Hard to claim innocence while still consuming unmetered power.